Houseplants do a great job of livening up a room, purifying the air in a home, and creating a cozy living space. Unfortunately, there are an astounding number of indoor plants that are poisonous to your furry family members and could prove to be fatal if ingested. Many of these plants are known by different names, so our REALTORS® encourage pet owners to do some research before bringing a new plant into their home. Here are common houseplants that you should avoid if you have pets.

• Aloe Vera
  Aloe Vera is a wonderful plant that has won over many hearts due to its hardiness, skin-smoothing properties, and a wide range of medicinal uses. It also harvests carbon dioxide at night, making it a great option for indoor air purification. However, Aloe Vera can be toxic for household pets if ingested. The leaves contain glycosides, anthraquinone, and saponins that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and a change in the color of urine.
  
  
• Jade Plant
  The Jade plant is a beautiful and popular type of succulent that has a gemstone look and is thought to be a symbol of good luck. It goes by many names, such as Baby Jade, Jade Tree, Friendship Tree, and Japanese Rubber Plant. Whatever you want to call it, the plant should be kept away from pets and children. The specific toxins in this plant are unknown, but all parts are considered poisonous and can cause nausea, retching, and a decreased heart rate if ingested by pets.
  
  
• Peace Lily
  The peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) is a houseplant that offers beautiful, long-lasting white blooms. The plant is incredibly easy to grow and requires low maintenance. It's a tempting addition to your home, especially if you're trying to decorate quickly and on a budget. However, it can be quite a dangerous thing to have in your house if you have furry family members and young curious children. The peace lily contains calcium oxalates, which are toxic if ingested. Signs of toxicity include loss of appetite, drooling, vomiting, and oral pain.
  
  
• Snake Plant
  Many people love the snake plant – also called the good luck plant, mother-in-law's tongue, and golden birds nest – because it looks dramatic but doesn't need to be tended to all that much. The snake plant has a sculptural appearance and seems to thrive even in low-light spaces. The plant does contain saponins – a natural chemical the plant produces to protect it from fungi, microbes, and insects. This chemical causes gastrointestinal upset.
  
  
• Bird of Paradise
  The bird of paradise (Strelitzia) is one of the most extraordinary, statement-making houseplants around. With some TLC and patience, the bird of paradise will reward you with exquisite blooms within 3 to 4 years. It's a huge shame that this plant comes in on our list of toxic houseplants for pets. The leaves contain Hydrogen Cyanide (prussic acid) and the flower seeds contain toxic tannins. If ingested, Strelitzia may cause labored breathing, digestive discomfort, drowsiness, eye discharge, vomiting, and death.
  
  
• Fig Tree
  Also known as an Indian rubber plant or weeping fig, the fig tree has quickly become one of the most popular plants for plant enthusiasts and interior designers. It grows well indoors and is easy to tend to. But if you have a furry companion, think twice about growing or purchasing a fig tree. The leaves contain a sap that can irritate a pet's skin and eyes, and it's toxic when ingested.

Others include:

• ZZ plant
• Sago palm
• Chinese evergreen
• Asparagus fern
• Corn plant
• Dumb cane
• Philodendron
• Elephant ear
• Desert rose
• Devil's ivy
• Arrowhead
• Dieffenbachia

If you'd like to add some decorative plants to your home, there are plenty more non-toxic varieties that are safe for your pets. Contact us today to learn about staging your home with plants and making it stand out from other Bakersfield homes for sale.